Third time lucky for rookie Matt

Rookie Matthew Hendrick is the third PGA North aspiring professional to achieve a maiden victory this season when he won the Harold Lees Trophy at Dore & Totley.

But the first year trainee at West Lancashire Golf Club, a former student at John Moores University in his native Liverpool, almost blew his chance when he double bogeyed the penultimate hole.

 "I hit a two iron from the tee and pushed it into the water with the whole of Sheffield to the right of me," said the 27-year-old who signed for a two-under-par 70.

It was quite an achievement because this was the first time he'd played the course and only his third tournament as professional.

"I didn't have a practice round," he revealed. "It was too far drive from my home and I'd been working the night before.

"But it was great to get my first win under my belt so I can feel a bit more relaxed. Sometimes you can get bowled over by better-known players who have won a lot and compete on bigger tours."

Hendrick, who had two shots to spare over Hainsworth Park's Matthew Daley and Jason Dransfield, from Heswall, broke his leg in 2012 and his ankle the following year playing football.

"I was back on my feet in 2014 and played two full seasons of golf then went to Camp America to coach children," he said.

His dad Paul introduced him to the game at Liverpool club Allerton Park when he was a youngster.